Emmy nominees in costume vs. real life revealed

By Bryanne Salazar 8:11am PDT, Sep 6, 2018

On Sept. 17, 2018, the 70th Annual Primetime Emmy Awards will honor the best and brightest in television. To celebrate, Wonderwall.com is taking a look at all the lead actor and actress nominees in both TV comedies and dramas to see how their characters' looks and style differs from the actors' own… starting with "The Americans" star Keri Russell, who earned an Emmy nomination for outstanding lead actress in a drama series, a nod she's received three years in a row. Keri's role as Elizabeth, a Russian spy living undercover in the States in the 1980s, meant lots of wigs and true-to-the-decade fashion moments. Costume designer Katie Irish shared that between Keri and co-star (and real-life love) Matthew Rhys, more than 120 unique spy disguises were crafted during the series' six seasons, including Patty (the Mary Kay makeup consultant) and Stephanie (the home care nurse), both of whom Keri played as recurring undercover characters. Keep reading for more…

Keri Russell doesn't need spy costumes to make her look incredible. In this June 2018 photo, Keri's wearing a leopard-print minidress that perfectly complements her ombré hair and toned legs. The actress, who first came to fame in 1991 on "The All New Mickey Mouse Club," has long been setting fashion standards, most notably from 1998 to 2002 when she starred on the cult series "Felicity" and became known for her iconic curly (then short) hairstyle.

English actress Claire Foy is nominated for outstanding lead actress in a drama series for her performance as Queen Elizabeth II on "The Crown." For the role, which she played from 2016 to 2017, Claire had to recreate iconic moments in the queen's life, including her 1947 wedding to Prince Philip and her 1953 coronation (seen here). The scenes, which were planned and executed in a matter of weeks, required costume designer Michele Clapton to replicate the actual garments worn by the monarch and all the attendees. Michele reportedly spent an astounding $47,000 recreating Elizabeth's wedding gown but was able to borrow an exact replica of the queen's coronation gown that was made in 2012 in honor of her Diamond Jubilee. In 2017, Claire talked to Vogue about the costumes, saying the crown was "quite heavy" and that she "didn't enjoy it." However, other looks for the role, including Wellington boots and head scarves, were some of Claire's favorites, making her feel like she'd truly transformed into her character.

In real life, Claire Foy is far less regal but still absolutely lovely. The 34-year-old actress and mom might not be a fan of heavy crowns and elaborate outfits but she still has a stylish approach to fashion. Although Claire's wearing a simple, floral-print blouse and faded jeans in this June 2018 pic, we can't help but notice that she's accessorized with a chic red Gucci handbag.

For her triumphant performance as Midge Maisel on "The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel," Rachel Brosnahan was nominated for outstanding lead actress in a comedy series. The setting for this uplifting Amazon original series takes place in the late '50s in New York City, which meant costume designer Donna Zakowska had boundaries for how far the characters' fashion could go. Along with searching for vintage pieces, Donna told Entertainment Weekly that she makes upwards of 95 percent of the show's clothes from scratch to accurately capture the period, which, especially for Rachel's character, requires special attention to how accessories and colors are matched.

Evoking some of her character's color-complementary style, Rachel Brosnahan worked a neutral palette at a Los Angeles photocall for "The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel" in July 2018. Although her look was more modern, the creamy peach zip-front skirt and western shirt with taupe flap pockets paired with white pointed-toe heels gave Rachel a classy, feminine silhouette a la 1950s while still being fashion-forward, something the petite Milwaukee native is fond of.

Oscar-nominated actor William H. Macy was nominated for outstanding lead actor in a comedy series for his performance as problematic alcoholic and father Frank Gallagher on "Shameless," a nod he's received every year since 2014. On the show, Frank's low-budget style comes from the mind of costume designer Lyn Paolo, who also dresses the characters of shows like "Scandal" and "How to Get Away With Murder." Although Frank and his family are living in abject poverty, Lyn says all the clothes are bought new and then distressed to give them the necessary "worn" look that fits the fictional family's impoverished lifestyle.

In real life, handsome William H. Macy is no slouch. The actor, director, writer, producer, husband and father knows how to kick his fashion up a notch, especially during award season. Seen here at the 24th Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards in January 2018 (where he won the prize for outstanding performance by a male actor in a comedy series for "Shameless"), Bill sported his character Frank's trademark 'stache along with a sleek black tux and a million-dollar smile.

Elisabeth Moss, who took home the 2017 Emmy for outstanding lead actress in a drama series (and the Emmy for outstanding drama, as she's an executive producer on the show), has earned the same two nominations in 2018. Her onscreen role as the indomitable June (aka Offred) in "The Handmaid's Tale" requires her to wear the crimson A-line "handmaid" uniform, meant to represent flowing blood, given that she and the other women wearing them are literally the lifeblood of their society. The same-colored capes, worn over their dresses during outings, was, according to costume designer Ane Crabtree, meant to look like a bell, giving them movement as they walked in a dreary, dystopian world. Drawing from other religious and cult groups throughout history, Ane said the handmaids' signature bonnets are also meant to obscure their vision while lighting their faces, giving them even more contrast against the backdrop of a totalitarian, patriarchal society.

Is it just us or does seeing Elisabeth Moss in anything but red seem startling (in a good way)? Donning an all-black look for "The Handmaid's Tale" Season 2 finale in Los Angeles in July 2018, Elisabeth reminds us all that a) she's a beautiful woman who b) can rock a bustier and cropped pants like nobody's business.

"Westworld" star Evan Rachel Wood is nominated for outstanding lead actress in a drama for her work as Dolores Abernathy on the series. Like Bernard Lowe (played by fellow nominee Jeffrey Wright), Dolores is a computer program in the digitized theme park who works as a host and, later, as the vengeance-seeking "Deathbringer." Her onscreen style has evolved throughout the series along with her character's motivations, as she first wore simple Western clothing like the blue farm dress seen here before moving on to looks including a gun-slinging pantsuit and a belted skirt, tank top and fully-loaded ammunition belt, making angry shooting sprees targeting her enemies both stylish and accessible.

Off the set of "Westworld," actress Evan Rachel Wood is far more modern with her fashion. Known for pushing style boundaries, Evan is fond of bold colors, patterns, menswear ensembles and bespoke looks that show off her petite frame. Seen here, Evan wore a playful fuchsia and maroon double-breasted pinstriped suit with a high collar undershirt and vibrant matching lipstick to the Top Ten Film Festival in Canada in January 2018.

In 2018, Jeffrey Wright was nominated for an Emmy for outstanding lead actor in a drama series for his work as Bernard Lowe on "Westworld," which is a step up from the outstanding supporting actor nod he earned in 2017. On the series, about a digital theme park of the future set in the Wild West, Bernard (seen here with Anthony Hopkins' character) is a host and a former head of the programming division for Westworld. Bernard's style can be described as "19th century gentleman" with Victorian suits including frock coats, vests, ties and trousers often paired with knit sweaters and his ever-present pair of spectacles.

Off the set of "Westworld" Jeffrey Wright's style is much more low-key. Seen here on June 13, 2018 leaving LAX, the actor was almost unrecognizable in a casual T-shirt, jeans, tennies and baseball cap, while carrying an over-sized orange tote. Unfortunately, his famous face is hard to miss and he was easily recognized by adoring fans and photographers.

Tracee Ellis Ross is nominated for outstanding lead actress in a comedy series for her performance as Rainbow "Bow" Johnson on "Black-ish." According to Tracee, Bow's on-screen style is influenced by her own love of fashion, but she tries to keep it realistic for a fictional working mother of four, saying "no" to high heels or elaborate makeup rituals. She also removes most of her makeup for scenes where Bow's in bed to keep things more authentic for everyday women.

Of course, offscreen, Tracee Ellis Ross is fly as a fox. As the daughter of the Queen of Motown, Miss Diana Ross, Tracee knows a thing or two about fashion. Not only can she pull off a slick outfit, like this figure-hugging silver catsuit, but the actress even has her own clothing line, appropriately named Tracee Ellis Ross for JCPenney.

Hunky Milo Ventimiglia earned his second Emmy nomination for outstanding lead actor in a drama series for his work as devoted father and husband Jack Pearson on "This Is Us." The series, which features alternating timelines in the past and present, places Jack's storyline between the late '70s and late '90s, requiring his style to evolve over the decades to accurately reflect the time period. From his early denim-heavy style (and full beard) to his later trademark mustache and business attire, Jack's changing looks throughout the series helped fans see his own personal transformation from a troubled former military service member to beloved family man.

Not long after the Season 2 finale of "This Is Us" aired — that's when fans learned (spoiler alert) that Jack Pearson died — Milo Ventimiglia shaved his mustache, perhaps signaling the end of his time on the series (although fans are still hoping he'll make flashback cameos). Like his character, Milo seems fond of a good jean jacket, although in this May 2018 photo, he's thankfully paired it with a more current crew-neck woven sweater and slacks. Regardless of what he's wearing, there's just something about Milo that always seems to make us swoon.

Allison Janney's portrayal of no-nonsense recovering addict Bonnie Plunkett on "Mom" has earned her a nomination for outstanding lead actress in a comedy series two years in a row, and in both 2014 and 2015, she won the Emmy for outstanding supporting actress in a comedy for the same role. According to Allison, Bonnie's "completely honest" and "unapologetic" but still manages to surprise her, even after playing the character for the last five years. As for her onscreen style, Bonnie's fond of flowing blouses, fitted blazers and denim or slacks, a sort of business-casual attire perfect for her job as a building manager.

Allison Janney is anything but casual in this March 2018 photo. Wearing a hot pink gown with cut-outs and a thigh-high slit from Pamella Roland, Allison arrived in stunning style to the Film Independent Spirit Awards, where she was named best supporting actress for her performance in the biopic "I, Tonya."

Oscar-nominated actor Ed Harris nabbed an Emmy nod for outstanding lead actor in a drama series for his performance as the Man in Black on the HBO original series "Westworld." As Ed's character's name suggests, his attire onscreen is almost exclusively black, with gray added for slight contrast. The show's Oscar-nominated costume designer since 2018, Sharen Davis, says the unique timestamp of the series, which takes place in the future yet transports characters to a digital "Wild West," gives her a little more freedom than with a traditional Western series. With each character's look, including the Man in Black's, Sharon says she always asks the question, "How can we make it look like the future?"

Is Ed Harris a method actor? By the looks of this April 2018 photo, we think Ed might be taking a page from his "Westworld" character's style book. Arriving at the Hollywood premiere of his film "Kodachrome," Ed donned head-to-toe black but thankfully left the dust from the Man in Black's wardrobe at the studio.

It's no surprise that Canadian actress Tatiana Maslany was once again nominated for outstanding lead actress in a drama series for her many roles on "Orphan Black." Although she routinely played five main characters on the show, Tatiana portrayed an astounding 12 clones in total throughout the five years the series was on the air. The show's head makeup artist, Stephen Lynch, shared with Vanity Fair that he only had around 30 to 45 minutes during filming to transform Tatiana from one character to the next, which involved wig changes and completely new makeup, often irritating Tatiana's skin by the end of the day. To her credit, Stephen says the actress was "remarkable and chameleon-like," bringing each of her distinct characters, like Sarah Manning and Helena, to life with stunning ease.

Tatiana Maslany is stunning onscreen and off. In this June 2018 pic from the Tony Awards, the talented actress is seen in a sheer, floral-embellished Zac Posen dress and a giant smile. One thing we love about Tatiana's look is her restrained sense of style. Letting the colorful dress do the heavy lifting, the actress kept her makeup dewy, her curly hair natural and her fingers and toes polish-free.

Oscar-nominated comedic actress Lily Tomlin is once again nominated for outstanding lead actress in a comedy series for her role as Frankie on the Netflix original series "Grace and Frankie." On the show about two senior women who become best friends, roommates and business partners following their husbands' decision to come out as gay lovers, Frankie is a free-spirited hippie who often contrasts in both personality and style to her roomie, Grace (played by Jane Fonda). The show's costume designer, Allyson Fanger, shared with The Cut that Frankie's style was inspired by her own mother-in-law, who, like the character, has a collection of unique costume jewelry pieces from her adventures abroad and assigns personal and artistic meaning to every article of clothing she owns.

Lily Tomlin's off-camera style is considerably more stylish than Frankie's. Seen here in June 2018 at a Los Angeles gala, the 79-year-old actress and comedian donned an impressive woven navy blue and black jacket with flowing palazzo pants and cat-eye glasses, giving her an almost regal look for the night.

While Sandra Oh has received six Emmy nods throughout her career, she's never been nominated for outstanding lead actress in a drama series before, making this recognition for her starring role as Eve Polastri on "Killing Eve" even more exciting. The series about an MI5 spy who becomes obsessed with an assassin who uses her name to commit a murder already has a reputation for incredible costumes for the show's main villain, appropriately named Villanelle. Costume designer Phoebe de Gaye talked about the greater struggle to dress Eve in a way that represents her character, telling Vulture, "Eve's got no dress sense at all. Never, never thinks about what she looks like, at all. Is just not aware of what she looks like, it's not just on her agenda. Whereas of course Villanelle is super-hyperconscious of what effect she's having on everyone." To capture Eve's lack of style, Phoebe opted for basic-care clothes that were purposefully crumpled to give them an appearance of being left in a pile in the corner, helping to reinforce the idea that Eve's not spending a moment worrying about what she looks like.

Although her character, Eve, has no fashion sense, Sandra Oh has style for days. Wearing an elegant, creamy peach blouse and matching slacks, the actress channeled a modern-day Jackie O at the April 2018 presentation of this year's Emmy contenders.

In 2018, Issa Rae (right) received her first Emmy nomination for outstanding lead actress in a comedy series for her performance as Issa Dee on the HBO original program "Insecure." Seen here with co-star Yvonne Orji, Issa's character's style comes courtesy of series costume designer Ayanna James, who likes to invite modern fashion moments on camera along with frugal, handmade pieces that fit Issa's independent-meets-affordable style. Along with fun, often vintage looks for Issa, Ayanna tells the Los Angeles Times she also wants to use the characters' clothes to educate and influence fans and especially to showcase lesser known, up-and-coming designers, saying she tells her team of stylists, "Go to your contacts, go to your homies who make T-shirts. Show me what they're doing and we'll see if we can plug it into the show."

Issa Rae's character might be working her fashion on a budget, but in real life, this writer, producer and actress spares no expense when it comes to style. Seen here in August 2018 arriving at the "Today" show studios, Issa looked fierce in a sleeveless pink bodycon dress featuring a mesh top and discreetly placed panels. She paired the look with simple white sandals and low-key pink sapphire hoop earrings, proving it doesn't take much to make her look like a supermodel.

Welsh actor Matthew Rhys earned his third Emmy nod in a row for outstanding lead actor in a drama series for playing Philip Jennings on "The Americans." As a KGB officer living undercover as a travel agent in the States during the '80s, Philip was known to wear more than a few disguises. Costume designer Katie Irish talked to the Observer about how Philip's style changed in the series after he left espionage for a more normal life, saying, "I really focused on that and him being happy, being freed from the emotional and physical weight of the spy trade." Whereas Philip's clothes were "messier" and less fitted as an operative, Katie shared how his style became "slicker" and "pulled together" when he was able to finally walk away from his former career.

In this May 2018 photo, Matthew Rhys is sporting a scruffy salt and pepper beard, which he grew after "The Americans" officially ended. Matthew, who arrived at the series finale premiere in Los Angeles wearing black trousers, a matching crew-neck tee and a plaid` sport coat, isn't exactly bored now that the show's over. He's set to appear in three films in 2019 including the adventure-drama "Mowgli."

Since 2015, Anthony Anderson has earned critical acclaim and a coveted Emmy nomination for outstanding lead actor in a comedy series for his work as Andre "Dre" Johnson on "Black-ish." Nothing's changed in 2018, including his executive producer nomination for outstanding comedy (which he's earned each year since '16). Dre, much like Anthony, is a first-generation success story, meaning he's not ashamed to showcase his achievements by way of his wardrobe. Always fashionable, Compton-raised, suburban-settled Dre keeps his dad bod clothed in urban contemporary looks, often mixing patterned sweaters, dress shirts or motif-tees with designer denim or khaki slacks.

In real life, Anthony Anderson is just as snazzy as his "Black-ish" character, mixing bold prints and solid colors when he's out on the town. In this February 2018 picture taken at the Los Angeles premiere of "A Wrinkle in Time," Anthony paired a colorful mesh sweater with sleek black trousers. We like everything about the look except the gold chain peeking through his sweater, which gives Anthony a bit of a Mr. T from "The A-Team" vibe.

Jason Bateman, seen here with co-star Laura Linney, is nominated for outstanding lead actor in a drama series for his work as Martin "Marty" Byrde on the Netflix original series "Ozark." Marty's fashion on the show resonates with his profession as a financial adviser, consisting of middle-class favorites like polo shirts and button-ups. However, due to Marty's illegal enterprises, Jason also has to visit the studio makeup chair now and then for facial accessories, including the occasional bloody wound and bruise. Fun fact: Along with starring on "Ozark," Jason's also working as a producer and director on the drama and managed to nab another Emmy nod this year for outstanding directing for a drama series, all while he's also headlining another Netflix series, "Arrested Development."

What does Jason Bateman look like when he's not rocking faux facial wounds on the set of "Ozark"? Hot. The hunky 49-year-old actor, producer, director, husband and father, seen here arriving on the set of "Jimmy Kimmel Live," looked super-casual in worn jeans, a T-shirt and tennies. Even dressed down, Jason reminds us all why he was a teenage heartthrob in the '80s and still makes us do a double-take in the 2000s.

Pamela Adlon has an Emmy nomination for outstanding lead actress in a comedy series for her work as Sam Fox on "Better Things" — a show that she also co-writes, produces and directs. Based in part on her own life, including her 2010 divorce and life as a single mom to three teenagers, it's no surprise then that Sam's wardrobe on the show closely mirrors Pamela's own personal style. Wearing her trademark dark-framed spectacles, jeans and a T-shirt that are moderately upgraded with a blazer, Sam, like her real-life inspiration, is all about business casual-meets-shabby chic.

Proving her onscreen and offscreen wardrobe is often virtually the same, Pamela Adlon paired a sleek green leather jacket with distressed denim and a black tee, ultimately looking fierce without a lot of effort. Pamela, seen here on the set of "Jimmy Kimmel Live" in May 2018, has clearly mastered the fine art of looking good without sacrificing comfort.

Playing type-A dad Randall Pearson on "This Is Us" scored Sterling K. Brown an Emmy nomination for outstanding lead actor in a drama series. Along with the nod, Sterling was also nominated for outstanding guest actor in a comedy series for his stint on "Brooklyn Nine-Nine" this year. As Randall, Sterling's on-set style is middle-class dad-meets-corporate hottie. Whether he's rocking cardigans and puff vests or a custom-tailored suit and tie for his job as a weather derivatives trader, Randall exudes an accomplished, attractive style that has all the PTA moms doing a double-take.

Off the set of "This Is Us," sumptuous Sterling K. Brown, seen here in May 2018 rocking well-manicured facial hair, is somehow even more attractive. Wearing a shimmery gray suit that highlighted his amazing physique, the actor, husband and father looked more like a GQ model than a TV star. Not only does Sterling have a hot bod (thanks to his intense workout routine) but he's also got a hot mind. In 1998, the award-winning performer graduated from Stanford University, proving some guys really are the complete package.

Former "Saturday Night Live" star Bill Hader earned four Emmy nominations for his new HBO series "Barry," including one for outstanding lead actor. The dark comedy, about a depressed hitman who decides to take acting classes, calls for a subdued style on the set. As Barry, Bill rotates between dark "murder" garb (seen here) to more casual button-up shirts and jeans while he's studying drama under the tutelage of his theater instructor, Gene Cousineau (played by Henry Winkler). Fun fact: Like Donald Glover, Bill also received a fifth Emmy nod for his guest-hosting role on "SNL" this year.

Not much different from his character on "Barry," Bill Hader, seen here in June 2018, is fond of casual, layered looks. The Oklahoma native eschews Hollywood's notorious haute style by pairing a solid V-neck pullover with a basic black T, blue slacks and well-loved tennis shoes for Variety's Tune In! summit in Los Angeles.

TV writer, star and producer Larry David earned two Emmy nominations in 2018: outstanding lead actor in a comedy series and outstanding comedy series for his hilarious HBO original program "Curb Your Enthusiasm." On the show, Larry plays himself, at least a version of himself, who tends to be more rude and neurotic than real-life Larry. Of course, playing his doppelganger means his character's style also resembles his own. Onscreen Larry is often wearing a sport coat, T-shirt, slacks and tennis shoes, a style coined "normcore" for being unpretentious, androgynous and easy to wear.

Just because Larry David has a dressed-down approach to style doesn't mean he doesn't know how to raise the fashion bar now and then. Seen here at the 2018 Screen Actors Guild Awards in January, Larry looks surprisingly sleek in an all-black tuxedo. The multi-talented Hollywood star was nominated that night for a SAG Award for outstanding performance by a male actor in a comedy series and outstanding performance by an ensemble cast.